AFTER months of careful planning and meetings, St Stephen’s parish church in Banks celebrated its 150th anniversary this month with a flower festival entitled Local Weddings.

Inside the church was a riot of colour with arrangements and tableaux with religious themes, while many brides who had been married there lent their bridal dresses to be displayed on mannequins raised over the height of the pews.

One of the organisers, Tom Cropper, said: “Throughout the three days the weather was glorious and the crowds poured in to enjoy, not only the flower festival, but also the excellent food and music in the marquees outside.

“We were even able to hold our Sunday morning service al fresco!

“All of this hard work by many was to celebrate 150 years of The Parish Church of St Stephen being a living presence in the village which it continues to be to this day. We would like to thank all the sponsors and all those involved, without whose help this event would not have been possible.”